The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked

As a dedicated fan of “The Walking Dead” for years now, I must say that each character’s journey and their eventual fate have left lasting impressions on me. Among them all, there are three deaths that stand out as especially heart-wrenching – Glenn Rhee, Lori Grimes, and Carl Grimes.


Apocalypse stories are relentlessly brutal, and “The Walking Dead” on AMC is famous for its intense violence and grisly scenes. Despite their slow pace, walkers can be merciless attackers. Moreover, in an end-of-the-world situation, humans pose the greatest threat. It’s no surprise that only the most resilient and intelligent individuals can survive in such a world.

Among the characters from the show, both walkers and human ones have been extensively adopted by fans, with quite a few being beloved figures. However, among all these departed characters, which ones met the most heart-wrenching ends so far?

11 Dale Horvath

An Early Goodbye

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked

  • Season 2, Episode 11:Judge, Jury, Executioner

Among the group, Dale was the oldest and a very honest individual. He often acted as the voice of wisdom, helping them steer clear of unethical choices. Tragically, his death is deeply felt not only because of the affection everyone held for him but also due to the fact that it could have been prevented.

It was ultimately Carl Grimes who indirectly led to Dale’s demise. By antagonizing a walker trapped in a marsh, Carl inadvertently provoked it. In its desperation to follow Carl, the walker managed to free itself. Subsequently, Dale was attacked and fatally injured by the aggressive creature. Daryl, upon hearing Dale’s cries, fired a shot in an attempt to alleviate his suffering.

10 Shiva, Ezekiel’s Tiger

A Loyal Death for a Loyal Companion

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
  • Season 8, Episode 4:Some Guy

A lot of viewers harbor a soft spot in their hearts for animals. Regrettably, an apocalypse isn’t kind to pets or other animals. It was incredibly sad when Shiva, Ezekiel’s faithful tiger ally, passed away during the 4th episode of Season 8.

In my world, I hold a special bond with the magnificent Shiva. As a dedicated zookeeper, I was the one who rescued her when she fell and badly injured her leg. Ever since then, she’s always been deeply grateful and unwaveringly loyal to me. So much so, that in a moment of utmost peril, she put her own life on the line to help her injured companion escape. In the process, she valiantly took down countless walkers before succumbing to their overwhelming numbers.

9 Lizzie Samuels

A Troubled Child in a Troubled World

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
  • Season 4, Episode 14:The Grove

In a more simplified and empathetic tone: Lizzie, a troubled girl who tragically took her sister’s life, held a strange affection for walkers. It’s hard not to feel a deep sense of sorrow contemplating how Carol must have grappled with the difficult choice to end Lizzie’s life.

Initially, the young girl brought to mind Carol’s daughter Sophia for Carol. But eventually, Carol faced a heart-wrenching decision to safeguard those dear to her, as Lizzie posed a significant threat to her community and lacked the resources to help herself. When Lizzie threatened Judith next, Carol was certain this action was necessary. Melissa McBride delivered an outstanding performance portraying Carol in that particular episode.

8 Abraham Ford

An Overshadowed Passing

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
  • Season 7, Episode 1:The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but express how profoundly impressive Abraham is. Beyond his courage, he embodies unwavering loyalty. After the heartrending loss of his family, he finds solace in Eugene, who provides him with a reason to keep going – supposedly, they aim for Washington to rescue the world. Initially, he shares a romantic bond with Rosita, but as time passes and his feelings intensify, he ultimately ends things with her, finding himself drawn more strongly towards Sasha.

Towards his last breaths, he gives Sasha a gesture symbolizing peace, echoing an action he had repeated several times during Season 6. Tragically, he meets his end in Season 7’s first episode (though it was the final episode of Season 16, following a significant break before airing), and this gesture holds a poignant significance as he knew it would be his last moment alive.

7 Sophia Peletier

A Cold Welcome into a Brutal World

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
  • Season 2, Episode 7:Pretty Much Dead Already

Although Sophia vanished at the beginning of Season 2’s first episode, it wasn’t until Episode 7 that she was discovered as one of the walkers. The specific moment of her death remains unknown, but during the time span between these episodes, she was captured and transported to Hershel’s barn filled with walkers.

Sophia’s demise on the series stands out due to lingering expectations that she might return, underscoring the harshness inherent in the world of “The Walking Dead.” Furthermore, this event significantly influenced Carol’s character development, as it marked a turning point where she started undergoing transformative changes following her daughter’s tragic death.

6 Merle Dixon

A Tough Redemption Case

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
  • Season 3, Episode 15:The Sorrowful Life

In the final acts of his screen presence, Merle Dixon, who wasn’t exactly a kind soul, started showing signs of redemption as he assisted Rick and their group. Regrettably, this act of kindness led to the Governor taking his life, resulting in Merle later becoming a walker.

Eventually, Daryl locates him, but sadly, he has already transformed into a zombie. After such a prolonged separation and finally being back together, the overwhelming sorrow of having to kill his brother strikes Daryl, and he breaks down in tears. It’s an incredibly emotional scene to witness.

5 Lucille Smith

A Death to Spare a Lover

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
  • Season 10, Episode 22:Here’s Negan

As a devoted fan, it was thrilling to witness the introduction of Lucille, Negan’s wife, in the bonus episodes of Season 10. Her appearance not only added a new layer to Negan’s character but also allowed me a glimpse into his past, revealing who he was before he turned into a threat to Alexandria.

Lucille’s passing was deeply saddening. Despite Negan not being an ideal spouse prior to Lucille falling ill, he made a genuine effort to reform and devote himself to her. Unfortunately, they were unable to find the necessary medication for her condition. Faced with no other options, she decided to end her life to alleviate Negan from the burden of caring for her.

4 Hershel Greene

A Gruesome Death of a Fan Favorite

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
  • Season 4, Episode 8:Too Far Gone

Once an alcoholic, Hershel transformed upon the birth of his daughter Maggie, abandoning drinking. He gained wisdom from the group and imparted knowledge too. Contrary to his initial belief that all “walkers” were simply sick individuals, he resisted killing them and instead stored them in his barn, harboring hope for a cure.

During the course of the show, he developed greatly as an individual, eventually earning widespread admiration from viewers. The brutal manner in which his character was killed by the Governor proved to be excessively violent, leaving a deep impact on his on-screen daughters who had to bear witness.

3 Glenn Rhee

Another Goodbye to a Season 1 Character

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
  • Season 7, Episode 1:The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be

On the series, Glenn endured one of the most painful deaths yet. Known for his tireless efforts in protecting the group and cherishing his wife Maggie, Glenn was tragically taken by Negan, along with Abraham. What compounded the sorrow of his demise was that it occurred shortly after Maggie announced she was expecting. This means that poor Glenn will never have the chance to meet his unborn son, Hershel.

Fans found it difficult to come to terms with Glenn’s demise in “The Walking Dead,” particularly since it was inflicted by Lucille, Negan’s baseball bat. This episode stands out as one of the saddest ever aired because it lacked any triumph for the group and happiness was nowhere to be found.

2 Lori Grimes

A Mother’s Sacrifice

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
  • Season 3, Episode 4:Killer Within

Despite Lori not being particularly popular because of her early indecision between Shane and Rick, many fans find her death scene incredibly emotional. A mother giving up her life for her child is a powerful emotion that resonates with people, and Lori’s sacrifice exemplifies this perfectly. Without hesitation, she demonstrates the incredible selflessness she possesses towards her children.

In a heartrending confession to Carl, I acknowledge that undergoing a C-section is necessary for our baby’s survival, even though it means my own painful demise. With tears in her eyes, I tell him he’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done, amidst other sorrowful words. It’s Maggie who initiates the procedure. As the anesthesia takes hold, I slip away into unconsciousness and eventually, I pass away.

1 Carl Grimes

A Sacrifice for the Community

The Walking Dead: Saddest Deaths In The Series, Ranked
  • Season 8, Episode 9:Honor

In simpler terms, during the series, Carl assists Dr. Siddiq for the benefit of their community, but ends up getting bitten in the process. Later, he gives his father’s hat, a significant prop throughout the show, to his sister Judith. The whole episode focuses on Carl making cherished moments with those nearby.

It’s clear that his personal growth throughout the series was substantial, and he showed great courage. The emotional moment when he tells Judith about his mother, Lori, encouraging him to conquer the world is particularly poignant. Viewers who have followed since Season 1 will find it hard to say goodbye after witnessing Carl’s transformation from a child into a mature young adult.

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2024-10-22 00:54